Oct. 23, 2013:  A Friday evening reception and dinner hosted by Robert and Mimi Wein, assisted by Margaret Keller Curtis, initiated the 60th reunion celebration of Bronxville High School's Class of 1953.

Twenty classmates participated in the weekend's activities, including current residents from the states of Washington, California, North Dakota, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, South Carolina, and Florida. The class enjoys considerable longevity, with 80% still living.

On Saturday, the class gathered at the library's Yeager Room for a luncheon hosted by George Carneal and was treated to three presentations by classmates.

Retired NYU art professor Guy Walton discussed his definitive 1986 publication on the history of Versailles and described an opera production at the palace celebrating his book that had Mr. Mitterrand, Mr. Gorbachev, and the Paris diplomatic corps in attendance.

The second presentation was given by a third-generation physics academic, Jan Houtermans, who was attending his first reunion. He revealed how his father had been imprisoned by the Germans and was released only when he agreed to have a key role in their unsuccessful effort to produce an atomic bomb.

Steve Fitzgerald was the final speaker and gave a presentation on how he is using dye sublimation to print his photographs, as well as those of other photographers and artists, onto ceramic tiles and slate. These are then sold as wall hangings and trivets and are embedded into jewelry and keepsake boxes. He is also producing, in 4x4 tiles, mosaic back splashes for kitchens and entertainment areas in customers' homes and offices.

On the lighter side, during an enjoyable tour of the school, members of the 1952 football squad had an unexpected opportunity to meet the 2013 Bronco team and their coaches, Phil Kuczma and Jeff Napolitano. Everyone was impressed with the friendliness, courteousness, and caliber of the young men on the current team.

Steve Fitzgerald was very appreciative of the reception he received from the present residents of his family's former Hawthorne Road home. It was the highlight of his weekend to share with the family his memories of the home and his experience of growing up in the village.

On Saturday evening, 24 attendees enjoyed a memorable dinner at the Bronxville Field Club that was arranged by Sugar Allison Genereaux. The very successful weekend concluded on Sunday morning with a brunch hosted by Alan and Rita Steinkamp in their home. Ann Day Reynolds and Jacques Theriot were also on the organizing committee. Plans for a 65th? Hopefully.   

Pictured here: Members of Bronxville High School Class of 1953 attending their 60th reunion.

Photo by Steve Fitzgerald